Soccer

5 things about Thomas Tuchel’s England assistant Anthony Barry

Barry spent his playing career in the lower leagues but has held coaching positions with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Belgium and Portugal.

Former Chelsea assistant boss Anthony Barry is to be new England boss Thomas Tuchel’s number two
Former Chelsea assistant boss Anthony Barry is to be new England boss Thomas Tuchel’s number two (Mike Egerton/PA)

New England manager Thomas Tuchel has named English coach Anthony Barry as his number two.

Here, the PA news agency details five things about the national team’s new assistant boss.

Journeyman playing career

Barry (left) during his time with Chester
Barry (left) during his time with Chester (PA Wire/PA)

Liverpool-born Barry, 38, had an unheralded playing career as a midfielder in the lower divisions. He progressed through the Everton youth ranks but was released at 18 and went on to play at Coventry, Accrington, Yeovil, Fleetwood, Forest Green, Chester and Wrexham.

Catching Lampard’s eye

Barry (bottom right) was taken to Chelsea by Frank Lampard (left)
Barry (bottom right) was taken to Chelsea by Frank Lampard (left) (Nick Potts/PA)

Barry began his coaching career when he joined Paul Cook’s backroom staff at Wigan in 2017. He stayed with the Latics for three years before being taken to Chelsea by Frank Lampard, whom he had crossed paths with while studying for his Pro-Licence. Lampard soon departed but he stayed on at Stamford Bridge to work under his successors Tuchel and Graham Potter.

Attention to detail

Barry has a reputation as a set-piece expert
Barry has a reputation as a set-piece expert (Nick Potts/PA)

Barry’s big break came with a dissertation he wrote for his Pro-Licence. His detailed analysis of 16,380 throw-ins made a mark on Lampard and he has since gone on to establish himself as a set-piece expert.

Strong bond with Tuchel

Tuchel and Barry have previously worked together at Chelsea and Bayern Munich
Tuchel and Barry have previously worked together at Chelsea and Bayern Munich (Nick Potts/PA)

Tuchel was impressed by Barry at Chelsea and the pair developed a strong friendship during a period in which they won the Champions League. Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea in September 2022 but returned for Barry when he was appointed at Bayern Munich the following year. England will be their third job together.

International experience

Barry has worked with other countries including Portugal
Barry has worked with other countries including Portugal (Nick Potts/PA)

It will not be Barry’s first foray into international football, having briefly worked with the Republic of Ireland and also under Roberto Martinez with both Belgium and Portugal.